8 “F as in Fat” (2010). Robert Wood Johnson FoundationObesity %Overweight 18.2%34.6%“F as in Fat” (2010). Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

9 Obesity FactsIn the past year, adult obesity rates increased in 28 states, only DC saw decline2/3 of adults and 1/3 of children and teens are currently obese or overweight.Since 1980, the number of obese adults has doubled.Skyrocketing numbers with obese children since 1970Ages 6-11 x 4Ages 12 – 19 x 3Obesity during pregnancy increases risks, plus the size and future of baby

10 The Cost of Obesity Affects us all!Matter of National Security!Kids too FAT to join and perform in the militaryLess than 1/3 of kids engage in vigorous activity$147,000,000 obesity-related medical costs10 % of all annual medical spending.We won’t be able to compete in global economyRising health care costs – add’l $1,427 yearWorkforce in poor health

13 Food and a Child’s BrainJunk food can cause neurotransmitters (which pass along information) to function improperly.Smart food allows information to be processed correctly which enables children to function at their optimal level

14 Performance & LearningBEFOREAFTERA six year old child’s handwriting on a Junk Food diet.Six year old child’s handwriting after one month of *change in diet.*An increase in Omega-3’s was used to illustrate the change in diet.Oxford-Durham Study Results

16 Disease & Death RatesObesity is related to more than 20 major chronic diseases.1 in 3 adults have some form of heart disease – kids have onsetMore than 80 million Americans have type 2 diabetes or are pre-diabeticObese children are 2X more likely to die prematurely before the age of 55

18 What we know Traditional approaches don’t workProgram failuresObesity rate growthIncentives only work while in placeCurrent solutions not sustainableFood Pyramid failsQuantity vs. qualityConfusing & ineffectiveAssociated Press reports that after spending over $1,000,000,000 to change the way kids eat, of the 57 government programs, only 4 showed any moderate signs of success

25 Why L.E.A.N.Parents are confident they implement learned behaviors with their families.

26 Ask a Parent“I learned a lot with regard to nutrition. I also learned how to read labels before buying anything… it really helped me change my eating habits. I hope there will be more of these classes to benefit our families.” L.E.A.N. Start Parent

27 Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. is: All about educationNot a franchiseNot a business opportunityNot multi-level marketingNot affiliated with any productFocused on changing lives

28 “The best gift you can give a child is the gift of health.”William Sears, M.D.

30 L.E.A.N.® ProgramsFun and interactive educational workshop for parents and caregivers with children ages 3 to 12 years old.Condensed version of L.E.A.N. Start for busy parents.Teaches those preparing for pregnancy, expecting and nursing mothers how to care for themselves and their babies.